A la carte
A French phrase, “a la carte” is often used on restaurant menus. It means items, like a side order of mashed potatoes or string beans, that is priced and ordered separately. In other words, such items aren’t part of a meal, like Monday evening’s chicken dinner special, that has a fixed (or set) price.
Along the same lines, a la carte can also refer to selecting or buying just a few—as opposed to all—of a company's offerings. For example, you might buy one or two services from a vendor and not their entire package of service offerings.
Here’s how you might use this expression: “I don't want to order tonight’s veal chop dinner special. It’s too much food for me, and I’m dieting. Instead I’d like the veal chop done medium-well and an a la carte order of rice pilaf.”
A la mode
“A la mode” is another French expression that’s quite popular in English.
This term has two meanings. As translated from French, it can mean according to the current style or fashion. But, more frequently, Americans use this phrase to mean that something—usually a dessert like pie or a brownie—is served with ice cream on top.
Here’s how you might use this term: “Ling, I know you don’t usually eat sweets, but I just baked an apple pie. Would you like a piece a la mode?”
Now you're ready for dessert!
Avant-garde
If you say that someone or something—like art, culture, or politics—is “avant-garde,” that person or thing is experimental or innovative.
Here’s how you might use this French expression: “Although the Weimar Republic (Germany between WWI and WWII) was a political disaster, many consider the arts, architecture, and literature of this period to be quite avant-garde. Certainly, one of Weimar’s greatest achievements, the Bauhaus, continues to represent the beginning of modern architecture.”
Avant-garde is yet another example of the influence of Latin-based languages on English.
By hook or by crook
“By hook or by crook” is a very old—late 14th or 15th century—English expression. It means “by any means necessary.” So if someone says that he’ll accomplish something by hook or by crook, this individual isn’t concerned whether achieving this end is morally—perhaps even legally—right to do.
Here’s how you might use this expression: “Hongyan, you should realize that Xingmin isn't ethical. That’s why he says that whether or not he gets a raise, he’ll buy a new BMW by hook or by crook. I don’t think he’s the type of person you should associate with.”
Caveat emptor
If you bought a product or service that turned out to be of poor quality, you might conclude that you should have been more cautious. In other words, you didn’t heed this phrase, which is Latin for “buyer beware.”
The English word, “caveat,” which means “warning,” comes from Latin. As you may know, many English words are derived from Latin.
De facto
“De facto” is a Latin expression which means that something exists in fact or in reality—even if there isn’t a specific law that governs this situation. The opposite of “de facto” is “de jure,” which means that a circumstance or entity exists as specified by law.
Here’s how you might use “de facto”: “Jim and Susie have been living together for many years. Even though they’ve never actually wed, they have a de facto marriage.”
Faux pas
Here’s yet another French expression that’s sometimes used in English. “Faux pas” literally means “false step.” If you commit a faux pas, you’ve made a social blunder.
Here’s an example of a faux pas. Let’s say that a friend from another country invites you to her family’s home for dinner. Her mother offers you a dish that she’s specially prepared for this occasion, but you tell her that you’d prefer not to try this food. By doing so, you’ve committed a faux pas.
If you’re not sure about what’s appropriate in another person’s culture, ask. If you don’t, you may make a faux pas.
Je ne sais quoi
A man who finds a woman attractive, even irrestible, might say, “She’s gorgeous, smart, and charming. She has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi.’ Maybe that’s why I’m falling in love.”
”Je ne sais quoi” is French for “I don’t know what.” In the preceding example, this phrase means an aspect or quality that makes someone interesting or attractive. Although many Americans wouldn’t use this French expression, more educated individuals might do so